Former soccer referee fears pressure could lead to suicide

LONDON -- A former Premier League referee warns that the pressures of the job could lead to suicide.

Mark Halsey writes in his autobiography that refs should receive more help to cope with the stress of top-tier soccer in England.

He says "it will not be long before a referee has a nervous breakdown ... I also believe that if we do not do something to help referees with mental health and stress issues, then we could see a suicide."

Halsey was abused by fans on Twitter last season after officiating Manchester United's 2-1 victory against Liverpool. The tweets referred to his treatment for throat cancer in 2009. Halsey retired at the end of last season. His autobiography has been serialized by The Sun newspaper.